Extension link for coupling an unbuttoned button with a buttonhole

ABSTRACT

Extension links function like a rein that connects an undone button to a buttonhole. Extension links allow garments and items with buttons to be worn and used with the buttons unbuttoned, creating a looser fit and more room than would be the case if the button was fastened through the buttonhole in the traditional manner. This is accomplished by receiving and holding the button to one end of the link, then tethering it to a buttonhole over a span that is the length of the extension link. The extension link, in a simple embodiment, is a fixed length of any suitable material that is able to hold a button from either end, as in having elastic or fixed loop ends. An end loop of the extension link is slipped over a button, the link is passed through a buttonhole or holes, then doubled back and connected to the same or different button using its other identical looped end, with variations on this configuration. This effectively but loosely captures the buttonhole(s) to the button(s), maintaining alignment and proximity, expanding the fit, and in some cases allowing material to be folded back on itself for interesting variations in function, style and color.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, ETC.

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Extension links for coupling unbuttoned buttons to buttonholes are an accessory to garments, particularly shirts, pants, jackets, etc. when such garments incorporate functional buttons and buttonholes. Possible additional undiscovered applications may exist for non-wear items, i.e. covers, upholstery, baggage, etc. if such items have buttons with buttonholes.

The inspiration resulting in the creation of extension links started as a means to provide the wearer of a long sleeve shirt with button cuffs to wear said cuffs unbuttoned and folded back, while neatly held in place as would be the case if the cuffs were designed to accept cufflinks. This folded back style of cuffs is known as “French cuffs” and is commonly worn with cuff links. Without extension links standard cuffs that are unbuttoned and folded back do not stay in place and become a nuisance. They also appear overly casual and sloppy. Extension links for buttons were therefore conceived to function as cufflinks, but for standard barrel cuffs with buttons. (“Barrel cuffs” is used as a generalization referring to standard button-down sleeve cuffs as are found on dress shirts, work shirts, flannel shirts and the like.)

Some garment cuffs have inner linings that differ in texture, pattern, material and/or color from their outer layer, and when folded back the previously hidden inner lining may add visual appeal. Converting standard cuffs to French cuffs also has a utility benefit, in that if sleeves are slightly long on the wearer, folded back cuffs effectively shorten the sleeves. Shortened sleeves also better display wrist watches, ID bands, wrist jewelry, tattoos, and whatever else would normally be obscured under a shirt cuff. When a long sleeve undergarment is worn under the shirt, converting to French cuffs displays both garments, adding more stylistic possibilities.

The extra room in a sleeve cuff is advantageous beyond sliding one's hands through without unbuttoning, although the expectation of that experience becomes second nature quickly. The added inner diameter and relaxed fit accommodates oversize watches and bulky wrist jewelry, such as a large chains. These no longer have to be unfastened when changing clothes.

Practical ongoing use and experimentation with extension links for buttons has yielded many advantages serving utility, style and hygiene. Quicker and easier dressing and undressing is a welcome benefit. Pants or shorts that button at the waist can be slipped on and off without paying any mind to the button. Pants or shorts that were tight at the waist are comfortable, and will stay up, when worn with an extension link. A button down shirt can be fastened with multiple links, or one long extension link routed across and diagonally, revealing the wearer's body, additional clothing or both in the space where the buttons normally fasten, creating a bold look.

Perhaps the single most practical and important convenience of extension links has proven to be the effortless manner in which sleeves can be pushed up and over the forearm, how they stay with no need for readjustment, and do not feel overly tight while pushed up. Rolling up sleeves wrinkles them. Often they do not stay up, the process is time consuming, inconvenient, restrictive, and may be so binding as to cause “arm pump” after only a short time. Anyone who wears long sleeves a good deal of the time will note this speed and comfort advantage when doing dishes, working with water or on a messy task, going to the lavatory, playing a musical instrument, cooking, etc.

Lastly, an extension link can be made out of an almost limitless choice of materials: textiles, beads, metals, plants, paper . . . potentially a fashion statement in and of itself. The formidable state-of-the-art of both old world craftsmanship and modern industries such as textiles, weaving, printing, electronics and manufacturing in general makes it feasible to craft extensions for buttons with incredible diversity. Patterns, textures, colors and designs can be made to complement shirts, ties and outfits. The invention can be a piece of functional jewelry. A statement can be incorporated using printed, carved or embroidered messages, or micro-electronics can offer light and sound effects. Creative possibilities abound.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention enhances convenience and brings new practical and aesthetic options to items with buttons and buttonholes in situations where it is advantageous to employ the extra room afforded by an open, unbuttoned button, however with said button remaining under some degree of tension due to its connection via a slacked link, acting as a rein, back to the buttonhole. The garment or item still functions as intended. The button is captured by one end of the extension, then tethered to a buttonhole over a span that is the length of the extension link. This effectively but loosely captures the buttonhole(s) to the button(s), maintaining alignment and proximity, expanding the fit and optionally in some applications allows a garment or item to be worn or used differently for variations in function, style and color. A notable variation in style is the option to convert a barrel cuff shirt to a French cuff shirt by folding back the sleeves, which also effectively shortens sleeve length. A notable variation in function is the option to push sleeves up in mere seconds while maintaining wearer comfort.

Extension links create a looser fit than would be the case if the button was fastened in the traditional manner. The term link(s) is used in the title and in the specification after deliberation on the fact that cuff links are somewhat similar in application and known to most people, therefore the idea of this invention, born of a shirt cuff modification, may be served by familiarity with that term.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates the extension link crafted with ends both terminating in fixed loop butterfly knots 1 and the link section 2 tied as a daisy chain.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment with a single fixed loop 1 and link section 2 but using a jewelry item 3 on the opposite end, too large to pass through the buttonhole.

FIG. 3 shows this design fixed in place on the end of a shirt cuff with the sleeves folded back, converted to French cuffs 4. The jewelry item 3 anchors the button hole. There is no need for the link section 2 to double back to the button. This design has only a single loop 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a button-down shirt with an extended length embodiment of the extension link. There are fixed loops 1 for each button, crafted to line up when threaded through the buttonholes in a zig-zag fashion. The link section 2 runs the length of the button placket.

FIGS. 5 thru 8 illustrate fitting an extension link onto a shirt cuff.

FIG. 5 shows one end loop 1 slipped over the button and the rest free, ready to go through the buttonhole.

FIG. 6 shows the loop 1 and length of the link body 2 threaded through the buttonhole from under the sleeve. The second loop 1 has yet to be attached.

FIG. 7 illustrates both loops 1 secured to the button, with the length of the link 2 doubled back on itself. This is the extension link worn without folding the sleeve back.

FIG. 8 shows the barrel cuff converted to a French cuff 4.

FIG. 9 illustrates the extension link fitted to a pair of pants at the waist button, both loops 1 slipped over the button and body 2 threaded through the buttonhole and doubled back on itself as in FIG. 7

FIG. 10 differentiates between the overall loop that fits over the button 1 which is usually sized at 1.5 cm OD and the actual material from which the loop is sourced 1 a, best not to exceed 2.5 mm thickness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To date materials used to hand craft extension links include 100% nylon cord approx. 2.5 mm diameter, satin rattail cord 2 mm, and fabric elastic cord 1 mm. An overall thickness of 2.5 mm OD material as indicated in FIG. 10-1 a has been determined to be near maximum useable thickness when two loops are resting one on the other under a button.

The loops FIG. 1-1, length/body FIG. 1-2, and fixed anchor items FIG. 2-3 of extension links can be crafted from multiple and different source materials and in configurations that are limited only by imagination. The embodiments shown here are fixed loops tied as butterfly knots, and body sections knotted in a “daisy chain” configuration, also known as a monkey braid, single trumpet braid, chain sinnet, crochet stitch, or chain braid. The daisy chain provides visual appeal, a more substantial appearance and a richer feel. Extension links made without knotting or braiding function equally well, are far more economical to produce in terms of time, effort and materials, but are less fashionable by far. The embodiment which utilizes a jewelry item, FIG. 2-3, uses a specimen of irregularly shaped smooth quartz measuring approximately 16 mm at its widest point, too wide to pull through and therefore secures the extension link to the buttonhole.

Different techniques are employed to keep ends from fraying including melting, epoxy resin, fiberglass resin, and other various glues and wax depending on the composition of the material used to make the extension link. Wax was abandoned due to its inability to withstand hot water washing. Extension links created with modern textile manufacturing technology may splice the ends into the weave to prevent loose ends and fraying.

The substance and characteristics of the material of which an extension link is made must be able to pass through a buttonhole with the user or wearer's comfort and safety maintained, and with loops of a suitable size to capture the button at either end.

Shirt cuff applications are typically fastened by first attaching either of the looped ends to a button FIG. 5, then passing the other end of the extension link through the buttonhole from the underside of a shirt cuff FIG. 6, then finally attaching the remaining loop to a button FIG. 7, usually the same button as when the process was begun. Typically both ends of the extension link are attached back to the same button, however shirts with double-button cuffs are an exception. If desired the cuff can then be folded back on itself to create a French cuff as in FIG. 8-4. Extension links used in pant applications extend the breadth of the waistline and may allow the pant to be worn open but without falling down the wearer's hips, FIG. 9.

Extension links can be custom made to fit different applications, however certain measurements work well overall and fit a variety of garment applications when made with cord material similar to the aforementioned specifications. Extension links will stay fastened through machine wash and dry cycles if they are correctly made for the application. Measurements that fit a wide range of general garment sleeve and pant applications are as follows:

Overall length loop-tip 1 to loop-tip 1, when fashioned from non-elastic cord or other suitable non-stretch material, can be approximately 15.5 cm when gently straightened, with the loop circles 1 that pass over the buttons measuring a rough diameter of 1.5 cm OD when held in a near circular shape. Satin rattail cord 2 mm is an example of a non-elastic craft cord that functions suitably, attaching and remaining fixed to a wide variety of button diameters when end loops are approximately 1.5 cm OD.

Because both end loops may attach back to the same button and lay one over another when fastened, thickness of the strand or weave of cord, wire or other suitable material that forms the encircling loop FIG. 10-1 a and slips over the button is best kept to 2.5 mm or smaller.

Overall length loop-tip to loop-tip can be slightly less, 14.5 cm, when using material with elastic properties, again with each loop 1 having an OD of approximately 1.5 cm to capture the button, and using material to build the encircling loop 1 a not to exceed 2.5 mm thickness as shown in FIG. 10.

It is important that whatever material comprises the looped ends be sufficiently thin as to allow both loops encircling the button to lay one on top of the other without slipping off. Sufficient room and space under the button with both loops attached is necessary to guarantee minimal stress is exerted on the button thread. The material used to make the looped ends shall be sufficiently smooth and soft so as not to abrade the thread or cause it to fail, cause the button to detach, or cause any manner of premature wear or damage to the garment or item. 

I claim the following:
 1. A button to buttonhole accessory, specifically to facilitate an alternate method of fastening a button, wherein an unbuttoned button and a buttonhole are tethered and loosely joined by a functional and fashionable extension link that relaxes the fit, designed with each end of the link terminating in loops that hold securely to a button while the middle section of the extension link is able to pass through the buttonhole creating a loose yet secure tether.
 2. The method of claim 1, designed with one end of the link terminating in a loop that holds securely to a button and with the opposite end of the extension link fitted with an item (i.e. something fashionable, e.g. a jewelry item) that functions as a stop in the buttonhole, too large to pull through, thereby creating a captive tension on the buttonhole and therefore only requires and only provides for attachment to a button on one end.
 3. The method of claim 1, designed with multiple loops crafted into an elongated continuous midsection, and where the loops are measured to align and capture a row of multiple buttons in a continuous manner in order to be useful in such a configuration as threaded in a single run through the buttonholes of a button-down shirt. 